Zambia Women’s National Team skipper Barbra Banda scored a goal and assisted another as Orlando Pride secured their spot in the National Women’s Soccer League playoffs final.
The Pride welcomed Kansas City to the Inter and Co Stadium after seeing off the Chicago Red Stars in the quarter finals.
It was the visitors who took the lead three minutes after the half hour mark, Brazilian midfielder Debinha with a close range finish after she was found unmarked in the box.
The Pride however levelled matters eight minutes later, Haley McCutcheon with a close range finish off an Ally Watt low cross.
The two teams went to the break level at 1-1.
The hosts only needed eight minutes to take the lead, Barbra Banda with a powerful strike after shrugging off a defender following a brilliant long pass from Kylie Strom.
Banda then won the ball back to set up Marta in the 82nd minute as she went on a brilliant solo run taking defenders and the goalkeeper to the cleaners before slotting home.
Banda was withdrawn in the 86th minute after she limped off with an injury.
KC Current were awarded a penalty after a VAR review in additional time, Vanessa DiBernado stepped up and slotted home, The Pride however held on to win 3-2.
Banda has now been involved in four goals in the play offs, 3 goals and an assist.
The Pride will face Washington Spirit in the NWSL Playoffs Final on Saturday.
